Volume 19, Issue 60 (4-2025)
MLJ 2025, 19(60): 381-401 |
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Abbasi M, Mardani S, Najafi Tavana A. Neurocriminology: Basic Concept, Theoretical
Frameworks and Practical Implications. MLJ 2025; 19 (60) :381-401
URL: http://ijmedicallaw.ir/article-1-1961-en.html
URL: http://ijmedicallaw.ir/article-1-1961-en.html
1- Medical Ethics and Law Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Tehran Central Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Tehran Central Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Background and Aim: Neurocriminology is an emerging interdisciplinary field that integrates neuroscience, psychology and criminology to explore the biological and neural underpinnings of criminal behavior. This article provides an overview of the fundamental concepts, theoretical frameworks and practical implications of neurocriminology, addressing its nature, significance and key challenges. The study first examines the essence and rationale of neurocriminology, explaining why this field has gained prominence in understanding criminal behavior beyond traditional sociological and psychological approaches. It then outlines the defining characteristics of neurocriminology, emphasizing its reliance on neuroscientific methods such as brain imaging, genetic studies and neuropsychological assessments. Next, the article presents a precise definition of neurocriminology, distinguishing it from related disciplines while highlighting its unique contributions to criminological research. The discussion then shifts to the importance of neurocriminology, particularly in enhancing crime prevention strategies, refining legal and rehabilitative interventions and informing ethical debates on free will and responsibility. Finally, the article explores key issues and challenges in neurocriminology, including ethical concerns, methodological limitations and the potential misuse of neuroscientific findings in criminal justice. By synthesizing current research, this paper aims to provide a foundational understanding of neurocriminology while encouraging further scholarly and practical engagement with this evolving field.
Method: The present study is of a theoretical type using a descriptive-analytical method. The method of collecting information is library-based, referring to documents in books and articles.
Ethical Considerations: Throughout all stages of writing this research, honesty and trustworthiness have been observed, while respecting the originality of the texts.
Results: The study's central conclusion demonstrates that neurocriminology provides a more profound comprehension of the biological underpinnings of criminality through its synthesis of neuroscience and conventional criminology. Nevertheless, the practical implementation of this discipline necessitates rigorous ethical and legal deliberations concerning criminal liability and the parameters of prevention and intervention initiatives.
Conclusion: Neurocriminology, as an emerging interdisciplinary approach, offers significant potential to transform our understanding, prevention and response to criminal behavior. By focusing on neural and biological mechanisms, it opens new horizons for criminological research. However, the application of this knowledge must be undertaken cautiously within legal and ethical frameworks, as overreliance on biological explanations risks neglecting crucial social, psychological and cultural factors, while potentially undermining fundamental concepts of individual responsibility. Consequently, the advancement of this field demands a comprehensive, critical approach that maintains equilibrium between scientific progress and core principles of criminal justice.
Please cite this article as:
Abbasi M, Mardani S, Najafi Tavana A. Neurocriminology: Basic Concept, Theoretical Frameworks and Practical Implications. Medical Law Journal. 2025; 19: e26.
Method: The present study is of a theoretical type using a descriptive-analytical method. The method of collecting information is library-based, referring to documents in books and articles.
Ethical Considerations: Throughout all stages of writing this research, honesty and trustworthiness have been observed, while respecting the originality of the texts.
Results: The study's central conclusion demonstrates that neurocriminology provides a more profound comprehension of the biological underpinnings of criminality through its synthesis of neuroscience and conventional criminology. Nevertheless, the practical implementation of this discipline necessitates rigorous ethical and legal deliberations concerning criminal liability and the parameters of prevention and intervention initiatives.
Conclusion: Neurocriminology, as an emerging interdisciplinary approach, offers significant potential to transform our understanding, prevention and response to criminal behavior. By focusing on neural and biological mechanisms, it opens new horizons for criminological research. However, the application of this knowledge must be undertaken cautiously within legal and ethical frameworks, as overreliance on biological explanations risks neglecting crucial social, psychological and cultural factors, while potentially undermining fundamental concepts of individual responsibility. Consequently, the advancement of this field demands a comprehensive, critical approach that maintains equilibrium between scientific progress and core principles of criminal justice.
Please cite this article as:
Abbasi M, Mardani S, Najafi Tavana A. Neurocriminology: Basic Concept, Theoretical Frameworks and Practical Implications. Medical Law Journal. 2025; 19: e26.
Type of Study: Original Article |
Received: 2024/05/4 | Accepted: 2025/07/15
Received: 2024/05/4 | Accepted: 2025/07/15
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